The Ecotricity Green Schools Project Award 2011

'Peel Street Garden'

Ysgol Glan Gele

Nominated by: Julia Buckley Jones

When pupils at an infant school in North Wales were walking through the local community they could see that one area in particular was in need of attention and took it upon them to transform an eyesore into a community landmark.

“A piece of wasteland, in the middle of the estate the school serves, was an eyesore. One of the residents had stopped nearby and remarked to the school council that it was a terrible mess and it was depressing when she looked out of her window to see so much rubbish,” said Julia Buckley Jones.

The School Council met with the School Eco-Committee along with a school governor who was also a resident on the estate. Following the meeting, the local authority and the housing association who own most of the houses on the estate were contacted.

Although it would be a children’s garden, the area would be available for elderly residents and the whole community to use. Funding was also received from community stakeholders ensuring the project was truly a whole community effort.

Pupils were given the task of designing and developing the garden and were also responsible for the garden being well maintained once opened. It was also agreed that a piece of artwork would be created to reflect all the stakeholders who made the garden possible and would serve as a centrepiece for the garden.

On completion the garden was opened by the mayor of Abergele at a special assembly attended by all those who had contributed to the project.

“We now have a beautiful garden that is used by old and young alike,” added Julia.

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